The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 251: His Gifts

Jerrick set the bag down with a thud and turned to her, his eyes sparkling with a mix of emotions. "It’s something I’ve been working on," he said, his voice steady. "For you."

Jessamyn’s curiosity doubled, and she opened the bag. Inside were various pieces of clothing in different sizes, each neatly folded and carefully prepared. There was also a box, and just as she reached for it, Jerrick picked it up before she could.

Jessamyn looked at him, her eyes questioning. "What’s all this?"

"The castle physician is advising you to rest until childbirth," Jerrick began, his voice filled with a mix of concern and determination. "But I want you to practice riding, Jessamyn. Your health is my responsibility, and our son will be safe inside you..."

His voice trailed off, uncertainty flickering in his eyes as he wondered how she felt about his plan.

Jessamyn smiled, her heart warming at his thoughtful gesture. She understood why he wanted her to stay active during her pregnancy. He had listened to her fears about the siege and the dangers they might face.

His intention was clear: he wanted her to be in top form, capable of escaping any potential danger. It was out of love and a desire to protect her and their child.

"These are equestrian outfits?" she asked, picking up one of the garments to inspect it. He had prepared them in various sizes to accommodate her growing belly. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Jerrick nodded, relief washing over his face as he saw her smile. "Yes, I had them made specially for you. I want you to be comfortable and safe while you practice. Wear one under your skirt always. I want you to be ready for anything."

Jessamyn’s eyes softened as she looked at him. "I appreciate it. I’ll make sure to practice and stay strong for both of us, and for our child." She said from her heart.

She knew this exercise wouldn’t affect their son. He was strong and could understand why she needed this.

Her heart was filled with gratefulness for Jerrick’s understanding. He didn’t just say that he would protect her always and wanted her to be a sitting duck. He wanted her safe and did everything he could to ensure her safety.

He had truly accepted her will to be independent and enabled her to protect herself in case he was absent.

Jerrick’s expression brightened, and he placed the box gently in her hands. "There’s one more thing," he said, his voice filled with anticipation.

Jessamyn opened the box to reveal a beautifully crafted pair of riding gloves. They were made of the finest leather, tailored perfectly for her hands. When she touched them, she sensed a secret compartment in the gloves. Carefully, she opened it to discover small, razor-sharp daggers nestled inside.

"I had these made for you as well," Jerrick said, his voice softening, as he placed a pair of leather boots next to the gloves.

"Do these have secret compartments too?" Jessamyn asked, her eyes widening with curiosity and admiration.

Jerrick nodded. "Yes. Wear them often and get used to them. I’ll train you to have quick access to the hidden weapons. I want you to have the best, Jessamyn. You deserve it..." He cupped her cheeks gently, his touch warm and reassuring.

"I meant it when I asked you to do anything to protect yourself. I don’t care who you leave to be killed or who you kill. I want you to be safe. Remember that."

Tears welled up in Jessamyn’s eyes as she looked at the thoughtful gifts. "Jerrick, this means so much to me... I love you."

"I love you too," Jerrick smiled, his eyes filled with love and determination. "Wait. There’s one more thing." He walked to the bag and brought out another box.

"What is this?" Jessamyn’s excitement grew. She loved getting gifts from him. More than jewelry, she cherished practical gifts like these.

Jerrick opened the box, revealing a beautiful crossbow. It was both quaint and powerful, its craftsmanship exquisite and its design elegant.

Jessamyn gasped in delight. "Jerrick, this is incredible! It’s perfect."

Jerrick’s smile widened. "I thought you’d like it. I want you to be able to defend yourself, no matter what. This crossbow is lightweight but powerful. You can carry it easily and it’s deadly accurate."

Jessamyn ran her fingers over the polished wood and finely wrought metal, feeling the weight of the weapon in her hands. "Thank you, Jerrick. I’ll practice with it and make sure I’m ready for anything."

Jerrick pulled her into a tight embrace, his heart swelling with love and pride. "We’ll face whatever comes our way together, Jessamyn. You’re my strength, and I’ll always be yours. I can’t imagine not being near you during tough times, but I want you to have something of mine with you always..."

Jessamyn leaned against his chest, her lips curving into a smile. He always tried his best, pouring his heart into his efforts. "I always have you... in my heart," she said softly. "Don’t worry about me. I’ll keep myself safe. You too..." She looked up at him, her eyes filling with tears. "You should live..."

"I will," Jerrick assured her, gently wiping away her tears.

Suddenly, a thought struck Jessamyn. "How can you be killed? Silver doesn’t kill you and almost all wounds heal. Beheading, perhaps? Or a stake through your heart?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Jerrick took her hand and led her to the bed. Jessamyn felt a surge of dread, sensing he was about to reveal how he could be killed. She’d rather believe that he was an immortal.

"No, I don’t want to know," she said, covering her ears. "I just want to know if poisons can kill you... specifically in food."

Jerrick looked at her, puzzled. He had intended to share his vulnerability, but her fear was palpable. "Poison?" he asked, curious about her concern.

"I accepted Elaine’s request to dine with her when we reach Elodia for the crown prince’s wedding. I specifically asked her not to include peanuts in your food because I told her you’re allergic to them," Jessamyn explained.

"But I’m not allergic to nuts," Jerrick said, knitting his brows. It seemed his clever wife had devised a plan.

"You won’t be in any danger with any food?" Jessamyn asked, her anxiety evident.

"Poisons don’t affect me," Jerrick confirmed.

Jessamyn relaxed and sat beside him, leaning on his chest. She played with the buttons on his coat, her fingers trembling slightly. "Jerrick, you know what to do, don’t you?" she asked. "I need you to act along."

"You’re sure?" Jerrick asked, his eyes searching hers.

"I am," she said with a resolute nod.

Jerrick kissed her forehead tenderly. "I’ll do what you want me to do."

Jessamyn smiled contentedly, feeling a deep sense of relief and trust.